4-H SPIN Club
The 4-H SPIN Club is a special interest club where four or more young people ages 9-18 gather with a volunteer and, for at least six sessions, learn about a selected topic of interest. Topics vary according to the volunteer’s expertise, and can include the natural world, heritage arts, science and technology, photography, music, gardening, shooting sports, and more.
Who Can Volunteer?
4-H SPIN clubs are led by volunteers who have a passion for learning and want to share their knowledge with young people. We are looking for adults who are willing and able to teach what they know and love to young people in local communities. We are planning now for SPIN clubs that will meet in the next three to six months.
SPIN Club Volunteer Role
What to Expect
A SPIN club meets for at least one hour, six or more times per year, and are planned around the volunteer’s availability. Meeting dates are chosen by the volunteer based on participants’ availability. The type of activity and number of participants help determine the meeting location.
Why Participate?
4-H SPIN club volunteers can make a positive difference in the lives of the next generation of young people by sharing life experiences, practical knowledge, and a love of learning in subject areas they’re passionate about. 4-H is looking for volunteers who can encourage and empower youth in giving back to their communities through demonstrating their newly acquired skills.
How to Begin
We are here to guide and support interested adults through the process of applying to volunteer, training, planning activities, and getting educational materials for your 4-H SPIN club. Join us in making the best better for youth and communities across Maine.
Resources
- Become a 4-H SPIN Club Volunteer (PDF)
- Starting a SPIN Club Checklist – Staff (PDF); fillable PDF; online form
- Starting a SPIN Club Checklist – Volunteers (PDF); fillable PDF
- SPIN Volunteer Plan of Action V1 (PDF); fillable PDF
- SPIN Volunteer Plan of Action V2 (PDF); fillable PDF
- SPIN Volunteer Expense Record (PDF); fillable PDF
- SPIN Volunteer Time Log (PDF); fillable PDF
(Adobe Reader is required to fill out “fillable PDF” forms.)
Training Videos and Guides
(Video links point to University of Illinois 4-H SPIN Club Volunteer YouTube Trainings, except where noted.)
Essential Elements (BIG-M)
- Video: Enhancing Youth Belonging in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Belonging - Video: Enhancing Youth Independence in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Independence - Video: Enhancing Youth Generosity in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Generosity - Video: Enhancing Youth Mastery in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Mastery
Positive Youth Development (PYD)
- Video: Enhancing Positive Youth Development in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Positive Youth Development
Ages & Stages
- Video: Ages and Stages for Ages 8 to 11 for SPIN Volunteers
- Video: Ages and Stages for Ages 12 to 14 for SPIN Volunteers
- Video: Ages and Stages for Ages 15 to 18 for SPIN Volunteers
- Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Ages 8-10
- Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Ages 11-13
- Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Ages 14-16
- Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Ages 17-18
Keeping Youth Safe
- Video: Keeping Everyone Safe in SPIN Clubs
Guide: SPIN Volunteer Quick Guide to Keeping Everyone Safe - Video: A 4-H Pledge — Keeping Youth Safe (from University of Wisconsin Extension)
- Video: Keeping Everyone Safe Risk Management Tools for SPIN Clubs
Guide: 4-H SPIN Club Risk Management Worksheet (PDF); fillable PDF